If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you probably have a lot of questions. Will my insurance cover my costs? Should I sue the at-fault party? What types of compensation can I recover? Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Las Vegas can answer your questions and help you navigate every stage of the legal system.
There’s no cost for the consultation, and you won’t pay any attorneys fees unless we win. To speak with a member of our team, call us today at 702-629-7900.
Steps to Take Before Speaking to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The moments after a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas can have a critical impact on the outcome of the subsequent claim. The key is to remain calm and follow these steps:
- Call 911: Emergency personnel will need to assess the scene and the parties involved.
- Gather evidence: You need to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Your attorney can also return to the scene to document it.
- Seek medical attention: Accept medical attention at the scene. Afterward, go to the hospital for a complete examination.
- Take pictures: Grab your cell phone and photograph your surroundings. You should also take videos.
- Retain a personal injury lawyer: As soon as possible, contact a Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer.
Do Not Make These Mistakes After a Pedestrian Accident
There are critical mistakes that pedestrian injury victims make. Any of the following mistakes could jeopardize your claim:
- Going against doctor recommendations: Do not go against doctor restrictions or orders even if you feel better. Follow all advice to the letter. You must attend every doctor or specialist visit.
- Speaking about the accident: Do not speak about the accident to anyone except your attorney.
- Admitting fault: Do not admit fault in any way to any party. Only disclose details of the collision with an attorney.
How Can Using Social Media Affect Your Claim?
Social media is a daily habit for many individuals, but it’s something you should avoid when involved in a personal injury case. Social media can affect your claim by:
- Bringing the severity of your injuries into question: Social media posts can provide evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Providing evidence of fault: If you discuss the crash, what you say may be used to dispute liability.
- Highlighting your activities: If you deviate from your doctor’s orders and post about this online, the opposing party can bring up your failure to mitigate damages in a dispute.
Take These Steps to Protect Your Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Claim
Retaining a pedestrian accident attorney in Las Vegas is the first and most crucial step to protecting yourself. You must also take these steps to protect your claim:
- Document your pain: Use a journal to detail your symptoms and their severity. Also make a note about each medical visit.
- Listen to your doctors: Do not make the mistake of ignoring your doctor. Follow all of their recommendations.
- Communicate through your attorney: Refer any communication regarding the accident to your Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer. The insurance company should only speak to your attorney.
- Stay organized: Create a folder that houses all documents related to your accident so nothing gets lost.
Bring Evidence to the Free Initial Consultation
A consultation is similar to a job interview. Both parties, you and your attorney, will determine whether to move forward together. For a full and clear picture, bring the following:
- Police report: An official accident report will outline the presumed cause. The report may also include witness information and depictions of the accident.
- Witness information: Your attorney will want to contact eyewitnesses to gather their statements.
- Evidence: Any evidence you collected at the scene should be presented during the consultation.
- Medical documents: The records will show the extent of your injuries and demonstrate your efforts to mitigate damages.
Evidence in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Pedestrian accidents can result in life-altering consequences. Significant evidence in these cases includes:
- Medical records: A successful pedestrian injury claim is contingent on medical documentation. An attorney must prove the accident directly caused your injuries as well as their severity.
- Photographs and videos: Documenting the scene is critical to proving what happened and establishing liability.
- Witness testimony: Witness testimony can help prove your version of events.
What Can Affect the Duration of the Case?
The facts of your accident will determine how long a claim will take to resolve. Here are a few factors that can influence the duration:
- Injuries: Pedestrian accidents can result in extensive damage. A claim can be delayed until the injury victim reaches maximum medical improvement.
- Determining fault: The negligence involved in causing an accident can be questioned. When the responsibility is contested, a claim can take longer to resolve.
- Insurance company negotiations: Your Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney will gather evidence and build a strong case. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit if a settlement is not reached. This can prolong the proceedings.
How Is Maier Gutierrez & Associates Different from Other Firms?
When searching for the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Las Vegas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are dozens of firms to choose from, but MGA Law has unparalleled skills and experience in these cases. Here are a few factors that set us apart:
- Proven track record: Our attorneys have experience in a wide range of tort claims. We have garnered favorable results in complex and contested cases, many of which went all the way to trial.
- Recognition: We are a nationally recognized law firm, which makes insurance companies think twice before refusing to cooperate.
- Personal attention to every case: Most important, we give each client the one-on-one attention they deserve.
Speak with a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident? Our Las Vegas pedestrian injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Call us at 702-629-7900 or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation.